21. After the expulsion of the sea by this famous Saint, scil.:
Declan, whose name and renown spread throughout Erin because of his
great and diverse miracles, he commenced to build a great monastery
by the south side of the stream which flows through the island into
the sea. This monastery is illustrious and beautiful and its name is
Ardmor Declain, as we have said. After this came many persons to
Declan, drawn from the uttermost parts of Ireland, by the fame of his
holy living; they devoted themselves, soul and body to God and
Declan, binding themselves beneath his yoke and his rule. Moreover
he built himself in every place throughout the territory of the
Decies, churches and monasteries and not alone in his own territory
(did he build) but in other regions of Ireland under tribute to him.
Great too were the multitudes (thousands) of men and women who were
under his spiritual sway and rule, in the places we have referred to,
throughout Ireland, where happily they passed their lives. He
ordained some of his disciples bishops and appointed them in these
places to sow the seed of faith and religion therein. Gentleness and
charity manifested themselves in Declan to such an extent that his
disciples preferred to live under his immediate control and under his
direction as subjects than to be in authority in another monastery.

22. After this the holy renowned bishop, head of justice and faith
in the Gaelic island came into Ireland, i.e. Patrick sent by
Celestinus, the Pope. Aongus Mac Nathfrich went to meet him soon as
he heard the account of his coming. He conducted him (Patrick) with
reverence and great honour to his own royal city--to Cashel. Then
Patrick baptised him and blessed himself and his people and his city.
Patrick heard that the prince of the Decies had not been baptised and
did not believe, that there was a disagreement between the prince and
Declan and that the former refused to receive instruction from the